Cycle track pilot project summary

The Council-approved 18 month Cycle Track Network Pilot Project will end in December. The final report and recommendations from Administration will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation and Transit on December 8, 2016 and then to Council on December 19, 2016. At these meetings, Council will determine the future of the network.

The public can attend and speak at the December 8 meeting or submit a letter with their comments about the pilot. The December 8 meeting will be held in Council Chambers and will begin at 9:30 a.m. People interested in submitting a letter or presenting at Committee can find out how to do so online.

Results
The cycle tracks give Calgarians a safer and more predictable way to travel by bike to downtown destinations. Over the past 18 months, the project team collected data on 82 performance measures while monitoring the operation and safety for all road users. Many of the performance targets were met and a report summarizing the results is available online. Here are a few highlights:

The primary performance measures for the pilot were:

• Percentage of people cycling, walking and driving satisfied with the pilot (evaluated using a random phone survey)
• Safety (evaluated using number of collisions)
• Bicycle volumes (evaluated using automated counters and manual data collection)
• Travel time for cars during the peak periods (evaluated using GPS and stopwatch trials)
• Incidents of unlawful bicycle riding (evaluated using manual observation)

We found the following results for each of these metrics:

Satisfaction
A third-party telephone survey was conducted city-wide in September 2016 to track awareness, understanding, attitude and support for the project.

• 46% - 54% of people ‘liked’ their most recent driving experience on the routes (51% - 60% in 2014) 
• 65% - 82% of people ‘liked’ their most recent cycling experience on the routes (12% - 71% in 2014)

The survey also found that 67% of people support the cycle track pilot and 68% support the Stephen Avenue bicycle pilot. The same survey was conducted in 2014 and 2015, and support remained consistent.

Safety
Safety along the network was closely monitored during the pilot period. Collision information was collected by Calgary Police Service, and during one year of the pilot (June 18, 2015 - June 18, 2016) there were 39 reported collisions between a bike and car and zero fatalities along cycle track corridors.

We reviewed locations where an incident occurred and put in dashed green paint, changed parking or added signs to raise awareness of potential conflicts at these locations.

Bicycle volumes
We have been using automated counters to count the number of bike trips taken each day since the network opened. To date, there have been 1.2 million bicycle trips since June 2015, based on the data at the three middle count locations. Ridership has tripled along the network, and the number of women and children riding has also increased.

Travel times
We anticipated travel time for drivers would increase on the roads with cycle tracks, since typically we had to remove a driving or parking lane to create the bikeway. The Transportation Department recorded travel time for drivers travelling from one end of each cycle track to the other for each route, during the morning and evening rush hours. They found that the longest delay was 90 seconds, on 12th Avenue from 11 Street S.W. to 4 Street S.E. during the morning drive.

Incidents of unlawful bicycle riding
Overall, unlawful sidewalk riding has decreased from an average of 16% (before the cycle tracks) to 2% after the cycle tracks. There were no observed instances of careless riding or near misses on Stephen Avenue during the time the data was collected.

You can learn more at our presentation to Committee on Thursday or visit calgary.ca/cycletracks.

Cycle Track Pilot Project set to reach one million bike trips (and other highlights)

Since the cycle track network opened last June, The City has been counting bicycle trips, using automated counters embedded in the pavement at 10 different locations along the network. Based on the data collected at the three middle count locations, one along each route of the network, we are set to reach one million trips this week.

We are holding an on-street event to commemorate this milestone and to continue to educate and connect with Calgarians as they walk, drive, take transit or bike along the network. Stop by, grab a cookie and chat with our team about some of the new bike data being released and general cycle track information.

When: Wednesday, August 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 5 Street and 9 Avenue S.W. by the CPR underpass

June 2016 was the busiest month on record with 116,621 trips, and although July 2016 was the rainiest in 90 years, it was still busier than July 2015 with over 100,000 trips last month.

Cycling census data shows a doubling of bike commuters
The one million cycle track trips milestone comes on the heels of the release of other cycling-related data. The City of Calgary Civic Census collected information from one working adult in the household about their mode of transportation to work in 2011, 2014 and 2016. Since 2011, 58 km of new bikeways (including the cycle track network pilot) have been constructed or improved around the city. Many communities adjacent to new or improved bikeways saw an increase in cycling as a way to commute. The percentage of Calgarians that reported travelling to work by bicycle doubled from 0.87% in 2011 to 1.75% in 2016.

According to the census data, in 2011 there were six communities which reported more than 4% of respondents commuting by bike. In 2016 there are 43. Communities like Rosedale and Wildwood have seen some of the fastest growth with more than 9% ridership, thanks in part to improvements such as the 10 Street N.W. and Spruce Drive S.W. bike lanes that were installed in 2011.

Cordon count data shows 40% increase in bike trips since cycle tracks installed
Every year in May, the Transportation Department conducts the Central Business District (CBD) cordon count. The cordon count is performed at 31 locations around the CBD over a three week period by counting every single person entering or exiting downtown and how they were travelling; whether on foot, by bicycle, on a C-Train or bus, as a passenger in a car, or as the driver of car.

The 2016 data showed that during the morning peak hour traffic, travelling into downtown, cycling increased from 1.9% in 2010 to 3% in 2016. During a 16-hour period, the number of cycling trips into and out of downtown almost doubled from 9,400 in 2010 to 17,200 trips in 2016. In 1996, 61% of morning peak period trips into downtown were by automobile; in 2016, 59% of morning peak period trips into downtown are now made by sustainable or active modes.

Cycle track pilot – A year in review

The cycle track network pilot project has now been in operation for a year. Since opening, we have continued to monitor and make adjustments to the project by improving parking and loading access and improving traffic flow so people can get to their downtown destinations. The Bicycle Ambassador team has been on-street and at events helping Calgarians understand how to walk, bike and drive along the network.

With six months still left before a decision is made by Council on the future of the network, here is what we have seen from the first 12 months:

770, 393 total trips counted in three middle 

locations from June 18, 2015 to June 18, 2016

• 770, 393 total trips counted in three middle locations from June 18, 2015 to June 18, 2016
• 158,400 trips counted in the same three locations during colder months (November 2015-March 2016)
• 68,000 Cycle Track Tips Guides mailed out to Calgarians and found in nine brochure holders along the network
• 24,500 total interactions with Calgarians through our Bike Ambassadors to date
• 1,811 messages received by 311 regarding the pilot project (45 per cent were received before the network opened)
• 758 new bicycle parking spaces installed downtown
• 130 net new parking stalls downtown (to offset the loss along the cycle track routes)
• 27 per cent of people riding are women (an increase from a network average of 20 per cent before the cycle tracks)

Project fast facts:

• 18 months-the total duration of the pilot project
• 6.5 km of separated lanes or shared space along three corridors (12 Avenue S, 8/9 Avenue S.W. and 5 Street S.W.)
• $1.35 million under budget (total cost was $5.75 million, equal to approximately one LRT car)

Cycle Track Highlights

This Friday, December 11, we'll be presenting the first update on the cycle track network pilot project, since the tracks opened, at the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation and Transit. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting or submit a letter with their comments. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the highlights you can expect to see.

Bike Trips
We have been using automated counters to count the number of bike trips taken each day since the network opened. Between June 18 and November 15, 2015 388 000 bike trips were counted at three middle count locations. Network wide, 910 000 trips were counted at 10 count locations. According to the Green Lane Project, American cities that have installed cycle tracks see on average a 75% increase in bicycle trips within their first year, yet our numbers show a 95% average increase in daily bike trips along the network from September 2014 baseline data counts to September 2015 counts.

We’ve also used counters to determine how many cars and bikes are travelling on the cycle track routes and found that the per cent of daily bicycle trips on roads with cycle tracks has increased to 7.6% of traffic. These numbers give us a picture of how people are travelling downtown, and indicate that improving cycling infrastructure has improved mobility options for Calgarians. During the peak rush hours, bicycles make up an even higher proportion of on-street traffic.

Route	Hour	Number of Car Trips	Number of Bike Trips	Total Number Trips	Bike Mode Split
5 Street at the CPR underpass	4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.	1100	208	1308	15.9%
12 Avenue west of 2 St SW	7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.	1111	108	1219	8.9%
8 Avenue west of 3 St S.W.	7:30 a.m. to  8:30 a.m.	163	118	281	42%

Number of car and bicycle trips along each cycle track route during the peak hour on one day in September 2015.

Bike Trips in the Winter

The cycle tracks are open during the winter months and although there are fewer bike trips in the winter, our counts on the 7 Street cycle track show there was an average of 340 daily weekday bicycle trips last winter (December 2014 to March 2015).This is higher than the number of daily summertime bike trips of 270 before the track was built. People can find the daily count for each of the tracks in the winter months online.

Satisfaction
A third-party telephone survey was conducted by Ipsos Reid in September 2015 regarding the cycle track network and Stephen Avenue pilot projects. The telephone survey found that the majority of Calgarians continue to support the pilot projects, with 64% saying they support the cycle track pilot and 63% saying they support the Stephen Avenue bicycle pilot. The same survey will be conducted again in September 2016 so we can gauge how satisfaction has changed during the course of the pilot project.

Change in Driving Time
We anticipated that travel times for drivers would increase and data collection specialists used GPS and stopwatch trials to record travel time by car along each of the routes. They measured the amount of time it took to travel from one end of each cycle track to the other for each route, during the morning and afternoon peak periods. Compared to before the tracks were installed, they found that the average peak period auto travel time for the entire length of each cycle track has increased between 10 and 120 seconds, which is equivalent to waiting at one or two red lights.

Stephen Avenue Update
One of the other things we’ll be reporting on is the data collected on Stephen Avenue, which has been operating as a shared space for people walking and cycling between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as people driving after 6 p.m. There is an average of 580 daily bicycle trips on Stephen Avenue, and 22% of all people cycling here are female. This is the highest increase in the per cent of female riders (up 10% from 2014). Across the cycle track network, 27% of the riders are women, which is 7% higher than before the cycle tracks opened.

You can learn more at our presentation to Committee on Friday, or check out calgary.ca/cycletracks.

Cycle Track - Fall Update

5 St cycle track at the CPR underpass is now the 

busiest on-street bikeway in Calgary

The Cycle Track Network Pilot Project has now been open for four months and since opening, we’ve had a lot of activity take place. We’ve been monitoring usage, making adjustments, thanking Calgarians for travelling together and preparing for winter. After a busy summer, we are eager to share some project highlights.

The numbers
As part of the monitoring and evaluation program for the pilot, The City has been collecting bicycle volume data since the tracks opened using automated counters at ten locations.

Along the middle of each cycle track route we have seen the following 24 hour average weekday counts from June 18 (network opening) to October 31:

• 1,440 bike trips on 5 Street S.W. at the CPR underpass
• 870 bike trips on 12 Avenue near 2 Street S.W.
• 890 bike trips on 8 Avenue near 3 Street S.W.

Cycle tracks by the numbers….

• 9.5% of daily on-street trips on 5 Street at the CPR underpass are made by bicycle
• 25% of all bicycle trips along 5 Street at the CPR underpass occur between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• 27% of people cycling along the cycle track routes are women. This is seven per cent higher than before the cycle tracks opened and five per cent higher than the 2015 city-wide average.
• 370,000 bicycle trips were counted in the middle of three cycle track routes between June 18 (network opening) and October 30. If bike trips were seats at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgarians cycling would have filled all 19,289 seats for 19 sold-out Flames games.

You can take a look online to see how many bike trips are taking place daily on each of the cycle track routes, Stephen Avenue, as well as the Peace Bridge.

Adjustments to the network
Over the past four months, we’ve received helpful feedback through 311 about the cycle track network. Based on this feedback, a number of adjustments have been made along the cycle track routes, such as:

• Enhancing connections at the ends of the cycle track corridors by:
• Improving the design of the southbound 5 Street cycle track between 15 Avenue and 17 Avenue to help everyone move through the area smoothly; and
• Improving how cyclists connect from 12 Avenue to 11 Street with a larger bike turn box and better on-street signage
• Reintroducing on-street parking and loading in front of several businesses along 8 Avenue between 8 Street S.W. and 11 Street S.W.
• Continuing to work with Access Calgary to adjust loading zones for a better customer experience
• Working with Calgary Parking Authority to enforce parking restrictions to maintain smooth traffic flow in the peak hour

If you’re looking for parking near the cycle tracks you can take a look at the online maps or download the MyParking app.

Summer outreach
Over the summer, we had a team of Bicycle Ambassadors providing tips on how to use the cycle tracks. We reached over 20,000 Calgarians through outreach opportunities at community festivals, office buildings and on-street. At the end of the summer we thanked Calgarians for moving together and sharing the road along The City’s cycle track network with a ‘thumbs up’ and a sweet treat. With the help of our Bicycle Ambassadors, Calgary Police Service and Peace Officers, we had over 2,100 interactions with Calgarians walking, driving and cycling. You can see it all in our video.

Preparing for winter

8 Avenue cycle track on Monday November 1, 2015

The cycle tracks will stay in place during the winter months, and we will attempt to clear them within 24 hours after snow has stopped falling. The City has a variety of machines to keep the tracks clear, such as sweepers, sanders and small ploughs, and will be focused on getting the roadways clear so people can travel on them.

If you have a property or business along the cycle track route, it’s important to know where to put the snow outside your building. Please follow these steps and share this information as needed to help keep the road and sidewalks clear during the winter months.

1. Clear and store the snow at the edge of the sidewalk, between the treeline/ light pole and the curb. Store the snow in this space instead of pushing snow into the cycle track.
2. Once City crews finish clearing the roads, The City will evaluate the snow storage areas and remove the snow piles, or windrows, as required.

The amount of snow on the ground, temperature and whether or not snow continues to fall will affect the amount of time needed to clear the cycle tracks. Once it snows, take a look at our tips to help you plan your ride.

Keep up to date on the latest cycle track tips and updates by visiting calgary.ca/cycletracks.

Bike to the Zoo is back

Hundreds took advantage of the
bicycle valet parking at last year’s event

Pedal with your pack, flock or herd to the Calgary Zoo for the second annual Bike to the Zoo on August 15 and 16.

The first 250 people who arrive by bike each day will receive $10 off their admission, while Calgary Zoo members will receive an ice cream coupon. Coupons will be available at the bicycle valet parking, located at the north and west entrances.

"This year’s event builds on an already exciting summer for Calgary’s growing bike community," says Kimberly Fisher, active transportation education planner. “With increased connectivity thanks to the pathways, bike lanes and the cycle track network, it's easier than ever for families to access the Calgary Zoo by bicycle.”

Since opening the Cycle Track Network in June, the 5 Street S.W. underpass has already become the busiest on-street bike-way in the city, averaging more than 1,500 trips each weekday.

“The Calgary Zoo recognizes the increasing number of people who are traveling around Calgary by bicycle and we're thrilled to be part of an event that encourages Calgarians to travel to destinations such as the zoo in a fun and safe way,” says Roz Freeman, special events and promotions advisor at the Calgary Zoo.

“It's the perfect opportunity to showcase the shiny, new bike racks recently installed at both zoo entrances.”

For more information on all of The City's cycling events or to plan your route visit calgary.ca/cyclingevents.

Cycle track safety tips

The cycle track network has been officially open for seven weeks. During that time, thousands of people have been giving it a try. The average 16-hour weekday count shows that we have approximately 1,130 bicycle trips on 8 Avenue, 1,060 bicycle trips on 12 Avenue and 1,500 bicycle trips on 5 Street.

Whether you are driving, walking or cycling along the cycle track routes, please remember to look for and obey new signs, signals and pavement markings. If you are not sure how to navigate through the new bike turn boxes or what the dashed green paint means, we have put together some safety tips and reminders for those who drive, walk or bike.

New to cycling?

If you are new to cycling, or have not ridden a bike in a while, consider taking a course to improve your cycling skills. This will increase your comfort, confidence, and safety while cycling on-street, on the cycle tracks or on the pathways. A number of different bike riding courses are offered throughout the summer for all ages and skill levels. If you are not familiar with our pathway and bikeway system there is an interactive map and recently improved app that can help you plan your routes. The newly updated app features both iOS and Android versions, as well as new functionality.

Cycle track safety tips at a glance:

Remember to take extra care at intersections, alleys and entrances to parkades or businesses, as vehicles turn across areas where people will be riding bicycles and walking.

When cycling, always yield to pedestrians before turning.
When driving and preparing to turn across a cycle track look for traffic in both directions and yield to approaching bicycles.

New multi-use crossings for people walking and cycling have been added at key intersections along the route, such as 9 Avenue and Macleod Trail SE. A multi-use crossing is like a cross-walk, but it is shared by people on bikes and on foot. When turning across a multi-use crossing, motorists should yield the right-of-way to people walking and cycling.

Multi-use crossing (for pedestrians and cyclists)

New bicycle turn boxes have been added at some intersections along the cycle track routes to help people cycling make a safe left or right turn. They are painted bright green to help make them visible. Watch the video below for a demonstration on how to use a bicycle turn box.

Still have questions? A team of Bicycle Ambassadors is on-street all summer long sharing safety messages along the cycle track routes, at community festivals and in office towers.

For more information on the cycle track network visit calgary.ca/cycletracks.

Cycle Tracks Pilot Project construction update

Construction has begun on the new cycle track routes. New bicycle lane markings have been painted on many of the new routes, and some of the temporary barriers have been installed.

While some of the routes may look nearly complete, they are still active construction sites. Routes are blocked by construction barricades and pylons, and we are asking cyclists not to use the cycle tracks until construction is complete.

Once the lane markings have been painted and the temporary barriers are installed on each of the routes, green road markings will be painted to identify areas where all road users need to be aware of potential conflicts. The traffic signals will then be adjusted to ensure that timing works efficiently for all road users.

In the coming weeks you will see City staff testing the cycle track routes on bicycles. They will be wearing safety vests and easily identifiable. Please refrain from using the cycle tracks throughout the testing phase.

The cycle track network will be open by the end of June 2015.

For more information on the cycle track network, including impacts to parking and construction updates, visit calgary.ca/cycletracknetwork.

Cycle Tracks pilot project under construction, open by end of June

Calgarians will soon have more transportation options available to them with the opening of the Centre City Cycle Track Network pilot project.

Scheduled to open by the end of June this year, the pilot project includes the installation of four new cycle track routes through the Centre City.

Cycle tracks are different from bike lanes in that they are separated from vehicle lanes by a physical, on-street barrier. The physical barrier increases safety and comfort on the road for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians alike.

“These new cycle track routes will be very similar to the cycle track that was installed on 7 Street S.W. in 2013,” said Tom Thivener, Bike Coordinator at The City of Calgary. “After the 7 Street cycle track was built, we saw the number of people bicycling quadruple, making it the busiest on-street bikeway in Centre City. We also saw sidewalk riding go down significantly. We hope to see the same success with these new cycle track routes.”

Instead of a concrete barrier the new cycle tracks will have a barrier that is not permanent because of the pilot nature of the project.

The new cycle track routes are:

• 5 Street (from 3 Avenue S.W. to 17 Avenue S.W.)
• 12 Avenue (from 11 Street S.W. to 4 Street S.E.)
• 8 Avenue (from 11 Street S.W. to 3 Street S.W.)
• 9 Avenue (from  Macleod Trail to 4 Street S.E.)

Stephen Avenue and the Olympic Plaza block will not have a cycle track but will be a shared space between people cycling and walking during the daytime hours and will be shared between people cycling and driving in the evening hours. It will be designed to be a slow and safe street for those who walk, bicycle and drive.

Construction will begin on the new routes in mid-April.  The City will aim to minimize traffic disruptions by working in the off hours as much as possible.

Members of the public are invited to see the final cycle track network design at one of four public information sessions:

April 14, 2015  11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Bankers Hall, 315 8 Ave S.W. (+15 level, next to The Source)	April 21, 2015 5 – 7 p.m. Kahanoff Conference Centre, 105 12 Ave S.E., Jim Hume Room
April 16, 2015 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Calgary City Hall, 800 Macleod Trail S.E.	April 22, 2015 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Western Canadian Place, 801 6 Street S.W.

For more information about the Centre City Cycle Track Network pilot program, visit: www.calgary.ca/cycletracknetwork    

Curious about the Cordon Count?

For the first time, The City of Calgary is releasing the information collected in the Central Business District (CBD) cordon count. Every May, The City of Calgary conducts a cordon count which collects data on how people travel into and out of downtown Calgary. This helps us understand how people are travelling now and how they will likely travel in the future, so we can better plan Calgary’s transportation system.


The 2014 data gives us a breakdown of how many people are driving, walking, biking or using transit.

Over time, the data has shown that less people are travelling into and out of downtown by car, and more people are using transit, walking, or biking.

Transportation Data counts all pedestrians, bicyclists, transit passengers, and vehicle drivers and passengers, entering and exiting the downtown area. Data from the downtown area is used to examine changes in the transportation mode split and to monitor the goals set out in the Calgary Transportation Plan.

The cordon count:

• Tells us how many people are walking, biking, using transit or driving vehicles
• Helps us monitor how the existing road system and transit facilities are used, and the impact of growth on these facilities
• Identifies emerging travel trends
• Assesses the need for new infrastructure
• Allows us to develop policies towards more sustainable transportation options

How the Data is Collected
The cordon count is performed at about 30 locations around the CBD over a three week time period. Data collectors are positioned at each cordon crossing location from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and they count every single person entering or exiting the downtown and how they were travelling; whether on foot, by bicycle, on a C-Train or bus, as a passenger in a car or as the driver of car.

Each location is counted on only one day per year and numbers can be impacted by weather or events happening in the area. However, because it takes three weeks to count the entire cordon, the weather and community activity averages out to provide a more accurate understanding of downtown travel activity.

Check out numbers of the cordon count to see this year’s travel trends.

Cycle Track Network – A chance to check out the tracks opening July 2015

The Cycle Track Network pilot project is making tracks, and beginning the week of November 10, the public will have an opportunity to check out the plans at a number of information sessions being held around the city.

The one-year Cycle Track pilot project, which was approved by City Council in April 2014, will create 5.5 kilometres of separated cycling lanes and 700 metres of share space on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary.

Since August, the project team has been meeting with businesses and residents that are adjacent to the track routes of 5 Street, 8 Avenue, 9 Avenue and 12 Avenue. These one-on-sessions have been important to address access issues with individual buildings and work towards fine tuning the designs.

Communications Advisor Jody Crowe, a member of the project team, shares his experience of meeting with these stakeholders:

“For the most part, the businesses and property owners are very grateful that we’re taking the time to meet with them and listen to their concerns. We recognize that there are some who feel very enthusiastic about the cycle tracks – and some not so much – but sharing the plans and timeline as we move forward will encourage those who are excited to use it and those who are unsure, an opportunity to visualize the final product.”

In total, six information sessions will be held for the public to view the plans and ask questions to the project team. The first phase of construction has begun this fall with minor modifications to traffic signals. Final construction will begin in Spring 2015, with the new cycle tracks scheduled to open in July 2015.

To learn more about the Cycle Track pilot project routes, please visit calgary.ca/cycletracknetwork

Four key facts regarding bicycling in Calgary

On October 16, the Manning Foundation released a report on cycling in Calgary. The City welcomes the report’s recommendations, many of which reaffirm actions The City is already undertaking. In response to some of the statements found in the Manning Foundation report, Don Mulligan, Director of Transportation Planning, offers four key facts to help set the record straight.

Report: Only limited studies of the demographics of cyclists in Calgary have been conducted (page 7).

Fact: The City has conducted a variety of surveys to learn about different types of cyclists in Calgary. In 2006, a survey explained about the type of cyclist who commutes downtown. In 2009, a co-sponsored survey with University of Calgary looked at the demographics of cycling in the University of Calgary/West Campus area. In 2010, The City commissioned Ipsos Reid to conduct a city-wide telephone survey to learn more about the demographics of Calgarians who cycle and those who do not. Other research methods on demographics include the Civic Census, the Household Activity Survey and the Annual Bike Count Report.  

In addition to who and who doesn’t cycle in Calgary, the results of each survey informed The City that there is a strong support for more on-street bike lanes. Ultimately, these surveys assisted with the creation of the Cycling Strategy, which led to dedicated funds to improve conditions for bicycling outside and inside the downtown area for all demographics. Moving forward, The City will continue to reach out to citizens to help plan the right bicycle facilities in the right places, including the upcoming city-wide Bikeway and Pathway plan.

Report: Future design decisions must not continue to be made based on the city’s “typical cyclist” as they have been up until now (page 7).

Fact: The 2010 Ipsos Reid survey results identified that 80 per cent of respondents want to cycle more but do not, citing safety as a primary concern. The Council-approved Cycling Strategy provided the funding to plan, design and build more bike lanes and cycle tracks to attract a broader demographic than just the Calgarians who already cycle. Contrary to Manning Foundation’s report, The City’s 2011 Cycling Strategy includes specific actions that help make cycling a comfortable and safer travel option for more Calgarians, such as the recently opened cycle track on 7 Street S.W. and the future cycle track pilot project in downtown.

Report: The City’s Transportation department only conducted its first official bicycle count as recently as the summer of 2013 (page 16).

Fact: The City has been collecting data on bicycle counts for the past 20 years. The City uses a variety of data collection methods including manual counts, video cameras and in-pavement sensors. The City conducts field tests of new technologies before implementing them and expects to install several new automated counters next year, with data live on the web. Trends are captured in the Yearbook publication. Calgary is one of the first cities in North America to publish bicycle data in several different ways in one complete and comprehensive document.  The 2013 Bike Count Report is but one of the ways we collect and analyze data.

Report: Even when specific projects are being proposed, data is not being collected before, during, and after these projects are introduced, to measure their success.

Fact: The City collects and analyzes data before, during and after projects are introduced. Data is continually used to analyze impacts to traffic and gauge current and historic trends by the City’s Transportation Data Division. Analyzing various factors, here’s how data was used to help plan and design the new Bowness Road. For the 10 Street NW bike lane project, The City has released new data here and here.

For more information about The City’s effort to improve conditions for bicycling please visit Calgary.ca/bicycle. You can find more information on The City’s bike data at Calgary.ca/bikedata. 

First city-wide bicycle count results released

The City released its first Bicycle Count Report today, which presents bicycle data collected in the summer of 2013 to help guage trends on the number of bicycle riders, gender, age and helmet use over time across Calgary.

The data was collected at over 50 locations throughout Calgary during the morning and evening commute hours. “The data which has been collected is similar to that of the City of Calgary Bicycle Program Yearbook released earlier this year, but provides more comprehensive detail and analysis,” says Ekke Kok, Manager of Transportation Data.

Some of the findings in the report include:

• Over 19,000 cyclists were counted at 51 locations
• The busiest count location was where the Bow River Pathway meets Crowchild Trail S.W., with 2,787 cyclists during a six hour time frame
• 86% of cyclists were wearing helmets
• 79% of cyclists were men, while 21% were women

This report is one of the ways The City’s Bicycle Program is monitoring and evaluating cycling data, as part of our Cycling Strategy and Calgary Transportation Plan. The data in this report acts as a baseline for The City to monitor changes in the future.

Bicycle Coordinator, Thomas Thivener says, “The Bicycle Count report is a best practice of bike-friendly cities in North America. By conducting a trend analysis of the number of cyclists in Calgary, broken down by gender, age and helmet use, we can monitor the demographic trends of bicycle riders across the city.”

The City counts bicyclists a number of different ways and uses several different technologies to do so, including manual counts by data technicans, video camera counts, tube counts, and automated counters. The City also has a Centre City Bicycle Volume Flow Map which shows the corridors most used by bicyclists in the centre city.

For more information visit www.calgary.ca/bikedata.

Pedal with your pack to the Zoo on June 29

To celebrate Bike Month (June), The City has created a ride event - Bike to the Zoo on June 29. This new event encourages Calgarians to pedal with their pack, flock or herd to the Calgary Zoo. For those who do, they will receive a:

• $10 discount on admission (Zoo non-members, first 500)
• Or a child-sized ice cream voucher (Zoo members)
• Two-for-one Calgary Zoo pass to use on their next visit

“We want to get families out riding and sometimes having a great destination such as the Calgary Zoo, is the incentive enough for a family to try pedalling together”, says Katherine Glowacz, an Active Transportation Education Planner with The City of Calgary.

Families looking for a shorter ride can use Park n’ Bike locations a 20, 30 or 60 minute ride from the Calgary Zoo.

If you are riding together as a family for the first time or if it has been awhile, consider the following tips to ensure a fun and safe ride:

• Check your bike before you go. Make sure you have air in your tires, your brakes work and the chain is secure. Consider getting a tune-up before June 29.
• Remember to wear a helmet and other safety equipment.
• Follow the rules of the road and pathway.
• Plan your trip, find your route and pack sunscreen, water and snacks in a backpack or bike pannier.
• Find more family friendly cycling tips here.

Complimentary staffed bike valet parking will be located at Calgary Zoo’s North entrance and signs along the pathways bordering the Calgary Zoo will guide riders to the bike parking. Visit The City of Calgary Bike Month webpage at calgary.ca/bikemonth to learn more.

City of Calgary launches new commuter information portal

Getting around Calgary just got easier! The City of Calgary is launching a new commuter information portal on Calgary.ca. The portal, called Getting Around Calgary, is dedicated to providing quick and easy travel information for Calgary commuters.

Inside commuters will find how to get to and from their destination with information, tools and resources about the various travel options available within Calgary. Whether you choose to walk, ride your bike, take transit , carpool or carshare, Getting Around Calgary will have you on your way allowing you to choose the most convenient, cost effective and environmentally sustainable way to travel.

Calgary commuters will also find links to up-to-date road reports, pathway and bikeway maps and transit route and schedules so you can avoid congestion and get to your destination safely and conveniently.

Interested in reducing the environmental footprint of your commute? Getting around Calgary also provides information about work options like telework for reducing and even eliminating peak hour commutes. You can even take part in various programs and partnerships and track the benefit your alternative commute has on the environment while reducing congestion for all Calgarians.

To find out just how easy getting around Calgary can be, visit Calgary.ca/gettingaroundcalgary.

Learn more about the Centre City cycle track network at upcoming info sessions

As part of providing Calgarians with more transportation choices in Calgary’s busiest area, the Centre City, The City is taking a recommended Cycle Track network to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation and Transit on April 16.

You can learn more about cycle tracks in Calgary’s downtown at the following information sessions:

• Hotel Arts (119 12 Avenue S.W.), Wednesday, April 9, 5-8 p.m.
• Devonian Gardens (#400, 317 7 Avenue S.W.), Thursday, April 10, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Dragon City Mall (328 Centre Street SE), Thursday, April 10, 2:30-5 p.m.

A display summarizing the recommended cycle track network will be set up at the CORE Shopping Centre, +15 level by Holt Renfrew (324-8 Avenue S.W.), from Thursday, April 10, to Friday, April 18.

Turn winter blahs into pedalling yahs!

Calgarians suffering from a humdrum winter are encouraged to try something new – frame your ride at the Bike Photo Booth on Feb. 12 and ride to work on Feb. 14 for Winter Bike to Work Day. These two fun new events offer opportunities to pedal yahs into winter.

On Feb. 12, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., stop by the Winter Bike Photo Booth and receive a complimentary online photo of you with your bike, hot cocoa and a $20 gift card from BikeBike to celebrate winter cycling. The Photo Booth will be located along the south Bow River Pathway between 8 Street and 10 Street S.W. Please note participants are asked to sign a photo release waiver prior to having their photo taken as all photos will be accessible online. Children under 18 years of age are required a parental/legal guardian signature.

Winter Bike to Work Day, on Feb. 14, is an international event and this year Calgary is participating for the first time. Last year 31 communities from across three continents participated in this event. So, come on Calgary! Let’s show off our winter cycling prowess against cities like Winnipeg, Anchorage, Halifax, Oulu and Montreal by registering and riding to work on Valentine’s Day.

En route stop by Eau Claire Market Plaza and warm up with a hot beverage and snack.

Riding to work is fun, convenient and safe even when the temperature dips below zero. Did you know that approximately 30 per cent of summertime cyclists on 10 Street N. W. continue to ride in winter? Bike lanes and shared lanes are plowed within 24 to 48 hours of the end of snowfall to make winter cycling safer.  Learn more about the City of Calgary’s snow and ice control program on pathways and roadways.

To find your bike to work route download the Calgary pathways and bikeways map, view the interactive pathways and bikeways map, or download the iPhone App – it’s free at the App Store.
See you on Feb. 12 and Feb.14.

Providing transportation choices through Calgary's busiest area: the Centre City Cycle Track Network

As part of providing Calgarians with more transportation choices through and within Calgary’s busiest area- the Centre City- The City is proposing a network of cycle tracks in downtown that will connect to the 7 Street S.W. cycle track. A number of streets and avenues are being proposed:

• 1 Street S.E.
• 5 Street S.W.
• 8 Street S.W., south of 10 Avenue
• 8 Avenue/9 Avenue S
• 12 Avenue S

The cycle track network will connect the popular Elbow River and Bow River pathways through the Centre City and to its many destinations, such as office buildings, commercial districts, arts and recreation places, and residential communities. Ultimately, the cycle track network will improve transportation choices for Calgarians and make roadways safer for people who walk, bike or drive in the downtown.

You can learn more about the project, as well as see proposed designs for the 1 Street S.E. cycle track at the following open houses:

• Suncor Energy Centre (111-5 Avenue S.W.); Tuesday, Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• CORE Shopping Centre, +15 level by Holt Renfrew (324-8 Avenue S.W.); Monday, Feb. 10, to Friday, Feb. 14. Staff will be onsite from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. daily.

Please come by and provide your feedback on the proposed Centre City cycle track network. If you're unable to attend the events, view the display boards for additional information or fill in the online survey. Check out calgary.ca/cycletracknetwork for more information on the project.

Wheels in motion for Calgary's Centre City cycle track network

The City is planning an east-west/north-south network of cycle tracks in the Centre City. It will connect the Elbow River and Bow River pathways through the downtown area, and to its many destinations such as office buildings, commercial districts, arts and recreation places and residential communities. Ultimately, the cycle track network will improve transportation choices for Calgarians and make roadways safer for people who walk, bike or drive in the Centre City.

The City has scheduled events in the Centre City to talk about planning the cycle track network with Calgarians who live, work, and travel in the area. Here’s where you can get involved:

- CORE shopping Centre, +15 level by Holt Renfrew (324, 8 Ave. S.W.) - Thursday, Nov. 28 to Friday, Dec. 6, all day (staff available over weekday lunch hours, except the dates listed below)

- Mountain Equipment Coop (830, 10 Ave. S.W.) - Saturday, Nov. 30, noon - 4 p.m.

- Nexen Building, main floor lobby (801, 7 Ave. S.W.)- Tuesday, Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

- Mountain Equipment Coop - Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

- Eighth Avenue Place, +15 level (525, 8 Ave. S.W.) - Thursday, Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

You’ll see the streets and avenues that The City is considering for an east-west/north-south cycle track network. You’ll also see 1 Street S.E. as the street chosen for the next cycle track, scheduled to begin construction in 2014. Find out more and provide your feedback at Calgary.ca/cycletracknetwork.

7 Street S.W. cycle track- already the busiest on-street bikeway in Calgary

Since opening the 7 Street S.W. cycle track in July 2013, The City has been monitoring people travelling through the area, whether on foot, bike or car. Results are in:

• The number of cycling trips per day on 7 Street S.W. is more than double than what was originally forecasted (500 trips). With more than 1,000 trips counted in 24 hour periods on weekdays, in July and August, the 7 Street S.W. cycle track is already the busiest on-street bikeway in Calgary. 
• People of all cycling skills are using the cycle track, including youth, adults, and seniors.   

City staff distributing the How-to guide on 7 Street

Here are some other highlights of the new 7 Street S.W. roadway:

• Better traffic flow for people travelling in the area  
• More education and enforcement through regular visits to 7 Street S.W. from City staff and Calgary Police Service. Check out the How-to guide. 
• Getting ready for winter by testing appropriate snow removal equipment  

Next steps
The City will continue to monitor and adjust traffic operations on 7 Street S.W. as required through fall 2013. In November, The City will continue engaging Calgarians on the Centre City cycle track network, of which 7 Street S.W. cycle track is a part. Your feedback in late fall on these items will help provide transportation choices and improve mobility in Calgary’s downtown.